U.S. Soccer celebrates 100th anniversary

NEW YORK - In commemoration of its 100th anniversary, U.S. Soccer culminated a week of celebration in New York City - the birthplace of the Federation - on Friday.

U.S. Soccer Centennial Week spanned April 2-5 and was a continuation of a year-long celebration. Numerous U.S. Soccer representatives, including U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati and U.S. Men's National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, helped to mark the historic occasion.

TUESDAY, APRIL 2New York Stock Exchange Closing BellU.S. Soccer rang at the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 32013 National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction ClassFormer U.S. Men's National Team forwards Joe-Max Moore and Peter Vermes were elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Moore is the sole Player representative, while Vermes enters the Hall of Fame as a representative from the Veteran ballot.

THURSDAY, APRIL 4U.S. Soccer in Times SquareU.S. Soccer held an all-day event at Times Square, entertaining thousands at the iconic location on the last day of the Federation's first 100 years. Fans flocked to Broadway in between 45th and 46th streets to play soccer on a small-sided field; sign their name and make a pledge to the future of U.S. Soccer; take pictures with the 1991 and 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup trophies; and share their favorite soccer stories with U.S. Soccer.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5 (CENTENNIAL DAY)Press Conference at New York City HallU.S. Soccer and Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office held a joint press conference to honor U.S. Soccer's Centennial.

U.S. Soccer Lights the Empire State BuildingFollowing the press conference at New York City Hall, U.S. Soccer continued to honor its Centennial by participating in one of New York City's finest traditions - lighting the top of the Empire State Building. Fans should make sure to get a glimpse of the Empire State Building and see it shine red, white and blue.

"The Centennial has allowed us to share stories about people, events and moments that have truly contributed to U.S. Soccer's success through these first 100 years," said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. "Celebrating in New York City - where 100 years ago a group of visionaries came together to pave the way for soccer in the United States - is truly merging our past with the present, while demonstrating a 100 percent commitment to the future of the game and our organization in the U.S. We hope that our membership, fans and supporters take a moment during the week to reflect on the first 100 years of U.S. Soccer and imagine all the things we can accomplish in the next 100 years."

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